Interim committee reappointed to run Sri Lankan cricket board

Sri Lankan sports minister Johnston Fernando has reappointed the recently resigned interim committee to run the affairs of the cricket board until further notice.

Ten days ago the newly appointed sports minister had called for the resignation of all non-elected sports administrations, including cricket, athletics, gymnastics and Wushu.

Having put on record his preference for democratic sporting bodies and justified his call for resignations by arguing that the interim members were political appointees, Fernando seemed likely to appoint a new look interim body for a specified time until fresh elections.

But after a week of intense lobbying, no date for the Annual General Meeting has been set, and no significant change in the committee's composition was made.

Vijaya Malalsekera will remain as chairman, whilst former fast bowler Ashantha de Mel is the only member to have not been reappointed from the old six-member committee.

Two new members have been added: leading lawyer Nalin Ladduwahetti and former Athletic Association president and leading businessman Ariya Kannangara.

The previous members Michael Tissera (vice-chairman), Kushil Gunasekera (secretary), Sidath Wettimuny (member) and Mani Jayasinghe (member) retain their earlier responsibilities.

Peoples Alliance (PA) sports minister Laksmann Kiriella had appointed the interim committee eight months ago following the dissolution of the cricket board, then headed by businessman Thilanga Sumathipala.